Rumors Swirl Around Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant in Brookside
In the vibrant neighborhood of Brookside, Kansas City, the air has been tinged with rumors regarding the beloved Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant. With nearly 30 years of service under its belt, the owner, Justin Hernandez, is stepping up to clarify things. He has stated that there are no plans to move or expand the restaurant downtown, which has been a staple for many locals over the years.
Setting the Record Straight
When contacted recently, Hernandez expressed his desire to put the rumors to rest. “I would be super appreciative for any extra help you could give by getting the word out. It has created quite the stir,” he explained. The rumors began to gain traction due to some new signage that appeared on a nearby building at 1501 Grand Blvd.. This location, formerly home to Prime Bar & Grill, recently put up a bright red sign declaring “Jalapenos” on one side and a smaller white sign reading “Mexican Grill” visible off Grand Boulevard.
However, Hernandez wants people to understand that this new establishment is in no way related to the original Jalapenos located in Brookside. Nor is it connected with the other Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant situated at 7729 W. 151st St. in Overland Park. Just to recap, the first Jalapenos was founded in 1991 by Pat and Benny Hernandez, with the Brookside location being added later in 1995. After a partnership split in 2013, each brother took over different locations, with Justin’s father, Benny, continuing the legacy at Brookside.
Understanding the Changes
“It is my understanding that there’s not much we can do since they are called Jalapenos Mexican Grill,” Hernandez noted. He pointed out the subtle yet important distinction with the added “Mexican Grill” phrase. It seems a bit too convenient to him because it can lead to confusion among loyal customers.
While the details about this new Jalapenos Mexican Grill remain murky, we learned that it’s run by Jose Lainez, who incorporated Jalapeno KC LLC in September. Lainez just received a zoning clearance for a business license at the Grand Boulevard location. Unfortunately, he did not respond to requests for comments about the reopening timeline or menu offerings.
The Building’s Recent Past
Some background on 1501 Grand Blvd. reveals that Prime Bar & Grill shut its doors earlier this summer following a tragic incident involving a shooting outside, which left one person dead and two others injured. As of now, if you peer through the restaurant’s windows, it becomes clear that opening day is still a little way off. A sign posted outside in Spanish reads, “Dear customer, we are very sorry, due to restructuring and modifications we will be closed, but very soon we will return to serve you, even more eagerly.” This message seems to underscore the changes that are currently in flux at the location.
The Community’s Connection
For many in Brookside, Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant is more than just a dining option; it’s a treasured spot for families, friends, and celebrations. With its heartfelt focus on community, no one wants to see any division or confusion about ownership. Hernandez is reassuring patrons that they can continue to enjoy their meals at the original location without worry. So, if you’re ever in the mood for some authentic Mexican cuisine, remember that the original Jalapenos in Brookside is still here, ready to serve you the flavors you love.
In a time when local business is more important than ever, let’s rally behind our neighborhood restaurants and ensure they know how much we appreciate all they do!
